BIG D THEATER

Carmike Cinema's new Big D Theaters feature the latest in sound and picture technology. The theaters feature 7.1-channel surround sound with 20.1-inch subwoofers, but are able to be upgraded to 11.1-channel surround sound when the technology is developed. Projectors developed by Carmike to be the brightest on the market project onto a screen three stories tall and 70 feet wide.

Source: Terrell Mayton, Carmike Cinemas spokesman

FUNDRAISER

The downtown Carmike Cinema is premiering its Big D theater with a fundraiser for the Forgotten Child Fund tonight. Tickets are $5 and popcorn and soda are $1 each for the 7 p.m. showing. "New Year's Eve" will show in the theater through Dec. 15.

Source: Forgotten Child Fund

POLL: Are movie tickets too expensive?

Yes.

No.

Yes.: 76.92% (10)

No.: 23.08% (3)

Total Responses: 13

Terrell Mayton has a very simple philosophy - a movie screen can't be too big.

Tonight, Chattanoogans will have a chance to see that philosophy in action as the downtown Carmike Majestic 12 opens a Big D theater featuring the latest technology in sound and picture clarity and a three-story by 70-foot screen.

Chattanooga is the ninth city to get a Big D since the concept was developed a year ago.

"This is one of our successful theaters," said Mayton, director of marketing for Carmike. "It's a significant investment for us. We wouldn't put this in here if we didn't think this would pay out."

To experience the new Big D theater, patrons will have to shell out an extra $2 over normal ticket prices, raising the price of a 3-D film up to $14.75.

Despite the higher ticket prices, Mayton said the theaters have done well in the eight other markets. At 30,000 lumens, their projectors are the brightest available. The screens are coated with a special film to keep the picture crisp.

With 7.1 channel surround sound -- ready to be upgraded to 11.1 when the technology develops -- their sound quality is cutting edge. The theater also has 389 reclining leather seats.

For the local Big D's big opening, Carmike is holding a fundraiser for the Forgotten Child Fund.

Mayton said he's already sold 150 seats and expects to have a full house tonight.

Those enjoying the Big D tonight can expect more of the theaters to crop up in the area.

The Carmike Cinema set to open next fall in Bradley Square Mall will feature Big D.